ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Draft Notification for BH series amendment
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways  has issued a draft notification G.S.R 672 on 04 Oct 2022 to notify amendments in the rules governing Bharat  series registration mark. MoRTH had introduced BH series registration mark vide G.S.R. 594 dated 26 August 2021. Over the course of implementation of these rules, several representations have been received towards strengthening the BH series ecosystem.
In an endeavour to further improve as well as widen the scope of BH series implementation, MoRTH has proposed new rules with the following key features:
1. The transfer of vehicles with BH series registration mark to other persons, who are eligible or ineligible for BH series, has been facilitated.
2. Vehicles currently having regular registration mark can also be converted to BH series registration mark subject to payment of requisite tax, to facilitate persons who subsequently become eligible for BH series registration mark.
3. To provide further ease of life to citizen, amendment in rule 48 has been proposed to provide flexibility to submit application for BH series either at the place of residence or place of work.
4. The Working Certificate to be submitted by private sector employees has been further strengthened to prevent misuse.
Click here to see Gazette Notification
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 185.21 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 15.62 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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SUPPLIED
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1,85,21,44,495
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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15,62,45,516
More than 185.21 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 15.62 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Petrol Pumps and Gas Stations in the Country
Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies  have informed that expansion of Retail Outlet network is a continuous process to ensure adequate availability of motoring fuels like petrol and diesel throughout the country. Public Sector OMCs have issued advertisements for award of Retail Outlet dealerships on 25.11.2018 and 14.12.2018.
As on 01.01.2020, Public Sector OMCs have 60,227 retail outlets in the country.
Further, Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory Board  is the authority to grant authorization to the entities for the development of City Gas Distribution  network in Geographical Areas . Providing Piped Natural Gas Connection  and establishment of Compressed Natural Gas  Stations are the part of the development of CGD network and the same are carried out by the entities authorized by PNGRB, as per the work plan. As on 01.02.2020, a total of 1,989 CNG Stations have been set up in the country.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Dharmendra Pradhan in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Election Commission
Schedule for bye-election to fill casual vacancy in the State Legislative Assemblies of Tamil Nadu, Goa and Karnataka - Polling to be held on 19th May 2019
There are six clear vacancies in the State Legislative Assemblies of Tamil Nadu, Goa and Karnataka which needs to be filled up:
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Sl. No.
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State
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Number & Name of Assembly Constituency
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1
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Goa
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11 – Panaji
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2
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Tamil Nadu
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116 – Sulur
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3
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Tamil Nadu
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134 – Aravakurichi AC
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4
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Tamil Nadu
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195 – Thiruparankundram
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5
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Tamil Nadu
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217 – Ottapidaram 
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6
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Karnataka
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70 – Kundgol
After taking into consideration various factors like local festivals, electoral rolls, weather conditions etc., the Commission has decided to hold bye-elections to fill these vacancies as per the programme mentioned as under: -
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Poll Events
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Schedule
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Date of Issue of Gazette Notification
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22.04.2019 
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Last Date of Nominations
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29.04.2019 
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Date for Scrutiny of Nominations
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30.04.2019 
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Last Date for Withdrawal of candidatures
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02.05.2019 
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Date of Poll
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19.05.2019 
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Date of Counting
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23.05.2019 
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Date before which election shall be completed
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27.05.2019 
ELECTORAL ROLL
The Electoral Rolls for the aforesaid Assembly Constituencies w.r.t 01.01.2019 as the qualifying date has been finally published.
ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINES  and VVPATs
The Commission has decided to use EVMs and VVPATs in the bye-election in all the polling stations. Adequate numbers of EVMs and VVPATs have been made available and all steps have been taken to ensure that the polls are conducted smoothly with the help of these machines.
IDENTIFICATION OF VOTERS
In consonance with the past practice, the Commission has decided that the voter’s identification shall be mandatory in the aforementioned bye- election at the time of poll. Electoral Photo Identity Cards  shall be the main document of identification of a voter. The order issued by the Commission in this regard for the General Election to the House of People and State Legislative Assembly, 2019 shall apply for identification of voters at the time of poll in the said bye-elections.
MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT
The Model Code of Conduct has already come into force with announcement of General Election to Lok Sabha, 2019 on 10th March, 2019 in all States/UTs. The Model Code of conduct shall be applicable to all candidates, political parties and State Government concerned. The Model Code of Conduct shall also be applicable to the Union Government for the district of the State concerned.
Ministry of Finance
CGST officials bust network of 23 firms for claiming input tax credit of Rs 91 crore
Based upon specific intelligence, the officers of the Anti Evasion branch of Central Goods and Service Tax  Commissionerate, Delhi  have unearthed a case of availment/utilization and passing on of inadmissible input tax credit  through goods less invoices of Rs 91 crore . The modus operandi involved floating of multiple firms with the intent to avail/utilize & passing on of inadmissible credit.
The firms involved in this network are M/s Girdhar Enterprises, M/s Arun Sales, M/s Akshay Traders, M/s Shree Padmavati Enterprises and 19 others. These 23 firms were floated in order to generate goods-less invoices with an intent to pass on fraudulent ITC without paying actual GST to the government. Late Shri Dinesh Gupta, Shri Shubham Gupta, Shri Vinod Jain and Shri Yogesh Goel were associated in the said business of generating/selling fake invoices. These entities are dealing in various commodities and involved in generation of goods-less invoices worth Rs. 551 croreand passing inadmissible ITC amounting to Rs. 91crore. All the three accused tendered their voluntary statement admitting their guilt.
Therefore, Shri Shubham Gupta, Shri Vinod Jain and Shri Yogesh Goel knowingly committed offences under Section 132 and 132 of the CGST Act, 2017 which are cognizable and non-bailable offences as per the provisions of Section 132 and are punishable under clause  of the sub section  of Section 132 of the Act ibid. Accordingly, they were arrested under Section 132 of the CGST Act on 10.07.2021 and remanded to judicial custody by the duty Metropolitan Magistrate for 14 days. Further Investigations are in progress.
Delhi Zone has been making sustained efforts to check evasion of GST, leading to detection of Rs. 91.256 crore in the present FY and 3 persons have been arrested in these matters.
Ministry of Defence
Completion of Coastal Defence Exercise Sea Vigil 21
Exercise Sea Vigil, the two day coastal defence exercise was conducted on 12 and 13 January 2021. The conceptual and geographical expanse of Sea Vigil included the entire coastline and EEZ of the country and contingencies from Peace to War-time were exercised. In addition, mitigation measures, on shore, in case of any breach in coastal security were also validated.
The exercise involved deployment of the entire coastal security apparatus and more than 110 surface assets of Indian Navy  and Coast Guard  participated in the exercise. In addition, a large number of Marine Police and Customs assets were also deployed. The entire coastline was kept under surveillance by the IN and CG aircraft, and helicopters were also pressed into service to reinforce Special Operations personnel operating onboard offshore platforms.
As ports form the nerve centre of sea borne trade, security mechanism of ports was also validated during the exercise and the crisis management plans of all ports were assessed for their effectiveness to tackle emergencies. The State Police teams, Indian Navy Marine Commandos and Commandos from National Security Guard were exercised to tackle acts of maritime terrorism.
This exercise also validated the technical surveillance infrastructure called the National Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence  Network. The Information Management and Analysis Centre  at Gurugram and its various nodes across IN and CG stations were exercised for coordinating the surveillance and information dissemination mechanism.
The envisaged objectives of the exercise were met by the whole-hearted participation of all stakeholders.
The cooperation and coordination amongst various agencies involved is a reassuring sign of progress made in the realm of Coastal defence and the exercise would go a long way in enhancing coastal defence and national security in the maritime domain.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Elderline  is providing assistance to thousands of elderly persons : Sh Rattan Lal Kataria
The Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment Shri Rattan Lal Katariahas said that in order to simplify the process of vaccination for the elderly and differently -abled, , the government has allowed the establishment of 'near home' vaccination centers for them. He was addressing aprogramme on the occasion of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
The Minister further highlighted various steps taken by central government to assist the senior citizens during the pandemic. The Central Government has taken the initiative to provide protection to its elderly population by immunizing them at the earliest and making them the primary category. As a result of this visionary policy, majority of our elderly population have received the first dose and have been able to protect themselves from COVID-19.
Mr. Kataria further highlighted the success stories of recently launched State-wise Call Centers  in major States under the Elderline Project. The helpline is doing a tremendous job during the ongoing COVID pandemic. For example, in Kasganj district, old age home facility was provided to 70 years old hungry, homeless, elderly woman through the Helpline. 'Elderline' helped a 70-year-old ex-fighter, who was stranded at Chandausi bus stand for the last one and a half months, to reach his home. 'Elderline' is providing assistance to thousands of elderly persons, the Minister disclosed.
The Minister underscored the need of familial structures and bonding for the elderly especially during the pandemic. He said that COVID-19 global pandemic has portrayed the absolute reality of lonely elderly today. They have to rely on the people living around them, the service sentiment of the local community or the retail service providers who supply them with essential commodities. In its absence, they will be compelled to go out to purchase their essentials, which can increase their risk of getting infected.
In the end, he requested all to get every member of the family, especially the elderly, vaccinated at the earliest and urged everyone to come forward to provide help elderly relatives and neighbors in need.
The World Elder Abuse Awareness Day  is observed each year on June 15th. It was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution 66/127,December 2011, following a request by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse .
Ministry of Rural Development
People Employed under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
Mahatma Gandhi NREG Scheme is a demand driven Scheme and the registered households may apply for work as per the provision of the Scheme.
A total of 2.95 crore persons were registered up to financial year 2020-21 in the age group of 18-30 years which was increased to 3.06 crore persons up to financial year 2022-23 under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS.
This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Rural Development, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation
NMCG Organises Cleanliness Drive at New Delhi’s Kalindi Kunj Ghat with SDMC and Local Stakeholders
Continuing with its efforts to clean the river Yamuna, National Mission for Clean Ganga  organized a Cleanliness drive at the Kalindi Kunj Ghat in New Delhi today. NMCG Director General Shri Rajiv Ranjan Mishra led his team along with South Delhi Municipal Corporation  and local stakeholders in the drive in the early hours. The Ghat was made pristine and free from plastic and other solid wastes.
This is the fifth time in the past few months that NMCG has organised a cleanliness drive at Kalindi Kunj Ghat. Cleaning of Yamuna is part of the Namami Gange programme as it is the tributary of River Ganga.
AYUSH
Global celebration of IYD2020 through digital platforms
“My Life – My Yoga” video blogging contest to be global
In the light of the prevailing health emergency in the country due to COVID-19, this year’s International Yoga Day is set to go digital internationally. This was stated by Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President, Indian Council for Cultural Relation  in the joint press conference held today along with M/o AYUSH. This year, the event will highlight the utility of Yoga for individuals, to develop immunity to combat the global pandemic and strengthen the community in managing some of the significant aspects of this crisis, Dr. Sahasrabuddhe added. Also present at the joint press conference were Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary AYUSH.
In view of the highly infectious nature of the virus causing COVID-19, there shall be no mass gatherings. Hence, this year the Ministry is encouraging people to practice Yoga at their homes with participation from the entire family. While addressing the media persons Dr. Sahasrabuddhe informed that Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has called upon one and all to participate in the “My Life – My Yoga” Video Blogging Contest. He said that through this video blogging competition, the Ministry of AYUSH and ICCR seek to raise awareness about Yoga and to inspire people to prepare for and become active participants in the observation of IDY2020.
On this occasion, Secretary Ministry of AYUSH Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha said that the announcement of the contest by Hon. Prime Minister has generated tremendous curiosity and also interest in it. The Ministry of AYUSH is confident that this interest would convert into significant public health gains, as the positive impact of Yoga in the management of many aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic situation is by now well accepted.
Shri Kotecha further said that the contest will contribute in a major manner for raising global awareness about the healing and therapeutic powers, and transformative impact that Yoga can have in their lives. He said that all stakeholders like Yoga Institutes, Yoga Studios, Yoga Professionals are being sensitized about the blogging contest through their various platforms including print and electronic media.
Shri Kotecha further said that the blogging contest has started on various digital platforms such as MyGov.gov.in and shall end on 15th June 2020, after which the jury shall collectively decide and announce the names of the winners. Entries for video competition can be submitted by participants under three categories covering youth , adults  and yoga professionals, and further, separately for male and female contestants. This makes it a total of six categories in all. For the India contestants, 1st, 2nd and 3rd awardees shall get a prize worth Rs. 1 lakh, Rs. 50,000 and Rs.25,000 for each of the categories. While global prizes shall be for $2500, $1500 and $1000.
Shri Dinesh K Patnaik, DG  and Shri PN Ranjit Kumar, JS  Joint Secretary, M/o AYUSH were also present at the press conference. Immunity kits were also distributed among the journalists after the media briefing.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Rs. 26,751.08 lakh released to West Bengal under POSHAN Abhiyan: WCD Minister informs Rajya Sabha
Kolkata; March 30, 2022
The Centre has released Rs 26,751.08 lakh to the State of West Bengal from 2017-18 to 2021-22 as on January 1, 2022. This was stated by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani today in an answer to the question posed by MP Smt. Mausam Noor in Rajya Sabha.
The Minister stated that Government has accorded high priority to the issue of malnutrition and is implementing several schemes like Anganwadi Services, Scheme for Adolescent Girls and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana . To address the problem of malnutrition, these schemes are being implemented under the Umbrella Integrated Child Development Services  Scheme. Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition are treated at the Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres established by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Irani said, adding that POSHAN Abhiyaan launched on 8th March 2018, aims to reduce malnutrition in the country by adopting a synergised and result oriented approach.
Mission Poshan 2.0, an integrated nutrition support programme has been announced in budget 2021-2022 for all States/UTs. It seeks to strengthen nutritional content, delivery, outreach and outcomes with focus on developing practices that nurture health, wellness and immunity to disease and malnutrition, Smt. Irani added.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Media workshop “Vartalap “ to be conducted at Thoubal
Press Information Bureau, Government of India Imphal is organizing one day media workshop “Vartalap” on 15th of March 2023 at Election Counting Hall, DC Office Complex, Thoubal.
The main objective of the workshop is to sensitize media, particularly rural media persons the social welfare schemes/projects being taken up by the government.
Shri A. Subhash Singh , Deputy Commissioner, Thoubal District , Dr. Engam Pame, Director, PIB, Imphal and Shri Jogeshchandra Haobijam, Sr. Superintendent of Police,Thoubal District will be the Chief Guest , President and Guest of Honour respectively.
The workshop will have three technical sessions. Shri Kanghujam Nongpoknganba Salaicha, District So cial Welfare Officer, Thoubal on The Welfare Schemes for Senior Citizens, Differently Abled Persons and weaker sections.Dr. Chinglen Maisnam, Prof. Economics Dept. Manipur University will talk on The India's Act East Policy and Its Impacts in ManipurShri Kshetrimayum Umananda Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Parishad. Thoubal will deliver a presentation on the Schemes under Rural Development and Panchayati Raj. The resource person will interact with the media on the topics .
More than 40 mediapersons from Thoubal and Kakching Districts will participate in the workshop.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Rise in Price of Essential Items
Details of retail inflation based on Consumer Price Index , brought out by M/o Statistics and Programme Implementation  from January to August 2019 and current year 2020 is as follows-
Consumer Price Index 
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Months
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2019
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2020
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January
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1.97
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7.59
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February
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2.57
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6.58
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March
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2.86
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5.84
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April
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2.99
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May
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3.05
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June
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3.18
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6.23
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July
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3.15
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6.73
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August
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3.28
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6.69
Source: MoSPI, P – Provisional- Inflation figures not released due to data inadequacy issues
The Government has taken various measures from time to time to stabilize prices of essential food items which, inter-alia, include appropriately utilizing trade and fiscal policy instruments like import and export duty, Minimum Export Price, export restrictions, etc. to regulate domestic availability and moderate prices; imposition of stock limits and advising States for effective action against hoarders & black marketers ; and, provision of higher Minimum Support Prices to incentivize farmers for increasing production. Government is also implementing Schemes which, inter alia, include Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture , National Food Security Mission , National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm , etc. for increasing agricultural production and productivity through appropriate interventions. Besides, Government is also implementing Price Stabilization Fund  to help moderate the volatility in prices of agrihorticultural commodities like pulses, onion, and potato. Ministry of Food Processing and Industries  has also formulated a new scheme “Operation Greens” for integrated development of Tomato, Onion and Potato  value chain which, inter alia, has the objective of price stabilisation for producers and consumers by proper production planning in the TOP clusters and introduction of dual use varieties. These policy interventions by Government had ensured that the consumer price index of majority of essential food items have remained relatively stable or decline with only a few recordings marginal increase during January to July, 2020. The details of prices are annexed. Prices of food items are inter-alia affected by mismatch in demand and supply, shortfall in production owing to adverse weather conditions, seasonality, increased transportation costs, supply chain constraints like lack of storage facilities, artificial shortage created by hoarding and black marketing, etc.
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Danve Raosaheb Dadarao in Rajya Sabha today.